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Public Relations Scholarships

Have you ever wondered why your favorite movie star gave a specific answer on the red carpet, what the rationale was behind that politician admitting his affair or how an upstart company gained immense popularity overnight? Most likely, a public relations professional deserves some of the credit.

Public relations (PR for short) centers around maintaining the public image of businesses, organizations and individuals. In even simpler terms, public relations execs are responsible for making their client look good at all costs and, in the off chance there is a slip up, cleaning up the mess as quickly as possible. Public relations majors take a variety of classes including journalism, marketing, advertising, business, communications and sociology, all of which prepare students for the rigors of this particular career. There’s a definite need for members in this field – the Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24 percent from 2008 to 2018 – and with the right education, you could be one of them. The only thing holding you back? Paying for school.

A number of schools like the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Florida offer public relations scholarships specifically to their majors but looking beyond campus can yield even more public relations scholarship opportunities. Both the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) give generously to their members, as do public relations firms like Fleishman-Hillard, which also has an internship program. We’ve pulled several public relations scholarships from the Scholarships.com database for you but to find even more scholarship awards for which you qualify, conduct a free scholarship search. It’s worth it!

ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/6/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Academic Merit Scholarship is open to both ABA and non-ABA Members. To be eligible, candidates will have completed, at a minimum, their first year of an accredited university (4-year university/college or junior college); must have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel and tourism industry; must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. For more [...] More

ACES Bill Walsh Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 11/15/2020
  • Amount: $3,000
  • The Bill Walsh scholarship will go to an applicant who aspires to edit news and who demonstrates the talent and passion for language that Bill devoted his life to. The scholarships are open to college juniors, seniors and graduate students who have demonstrated an interest in and aptitude for copy editing jobs or internships. For more information and to download the application form, please visit [...] More

ACF American Advertising Federation-NM Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 6/4/2020
  • Amount: $1,400
  • The American Advertising Federation-New Mexico (AAF-NM) Scholarship Fund has been established to provide scholarships to deserving men and women who intend to enter the advertising profession. In order to apply, you must be a New Mexico resident enrolled full-time at a four-year New Mexico public or non-profit college/university as a junior or senior in one of the following majors: Business (with [...] More

Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2021
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The annual Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference program targets rising high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism and who demonstrate qualities of "free spirit". Students come to Washington, D.C., to participate in an all-expenses-paid journalism conference at the Newseum. Students must fill out an application, and will be notified by mid-May if they [...] More

Ashbrook Scholar Program

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: Varies
  • The purpose of the Ashbrook Scholar Program is to assist students in acquiring the intellectual and moral virtues required for thoughtful citizenship. We do this through sustained reflection on the writings of those who have thought most deeply and comprehensively about human nature and political organization, and the opinions, character, and actions of those who have most remarkably practiced [...] More

Austin Alliance for Women in Media Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • AWM Austin is proud to award scholarships to college Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors studying media or a related field at a university in the Austin area (within a 40-mile radius from Austin). Consideration will also be given to students attending other colleges who graduated from an Austin area high school and maintain an Austin area permanent address. Must attach an official, signed transcript [...] More

Bethesda Lutheran Communities Lutheran Student Scholastic & Service Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/18/2020
  • Amount: $30,000
  • Bethesda Lutheran Communities offers two scholarships to Lutheran students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any area of service to people with developmental disabilities.Eligibility/Requirements: Be an active, communicant member of a Lutheran congregation. Be a freshmen, sophomore, or junior at an accredited college/university. Have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Have a career objective in the field of [...] More

CIRI "Cap" Lathrop Endowment Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 6/1/2020
  • Amount: $6,000
  • The Cap Lathrop Endowment Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 in memory of Captain "Cap" Lathrop who was a pioneer in Alaska’s telecommunications and broadcast industry. The Endowment, one of The CIRI Foundation’s several scholarship endowment programs, is funded with contributions from its major donor, A.E. "Augie" Hiebert, founder of Northern Television, Inc., General Communications, Inc., [...] More

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/12/2021
  • Amount: $50,000
  • The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories are Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy and Outside the Box. Davidson Fellows are honored every year in Washington, D.C. with Congressional meetings and a [...] More

IAEE Helen Brett Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 6/1/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The purpose of the Helen Brett Scholarship is to assist individuals who are enrolled in a four-year degree program with a focus on the study of exhibition and event management. The scholarship serves to promote the exhibitions and events industry by attracting college level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support. Scholarships are awarded [...] More

Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic

  • Application Deadline: 1/26/2021
  • Amount: $10,000
  • The Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic is awarded to a student interested in communications and media relations and is a rising junior/senior in college who is able to fulfill a paid internship at the company's New York City headquarters during the summer. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More

Kenneth H. Ashworth Fellowship Program

  • Application Deadline: 2/20/2021
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Kenneth H. Ashworth Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to students with financial need who are enrolled in graduate programs in public affairs, public service or public administration. Applicants must be Texas residents who are able to show financial need and are enrolled as graduate students in public affairs, public service or public administration. Only in-state (Texas) [...] More

L. Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The L. Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest is an ongoing merit competition for new and amateur aspiring writers. Run on a quarterly basis, an eligible entry is any previously unpublished short story or novelette (under 17,000 words) of science fiction or fantasy. There will be three cash prizes in each quarter: a first place prize of $1,000, a second place prize of $750, and a third place [...] More

Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students awards a scholarship for undergraduate studies of religion, journalism, or communications. The scholarship assists a United Methodist undergraduate who intends to pursue a career in religious journalism through study at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must be a United Methodist ethnic [...] More

National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The National Press Club Diversity Scholarship for Studies in Journalism encourages further diversity in journalism and includes a one-time $500 book stipend in the memory of the late Ellen Masin Persina, a club member. The National Press Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious journalism organizations in the country, wants to recruit promising future journalists who will bring diversity to [...] More

NDS McCullough Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Applicant must be a high school senior planning to enter a four-year college or university with intent to major in Dairy/Animal Science with a Communications emphasis or Agricultural Journalism with a Dairy/Animal Science emphasis. Students must be planning on a career in dairy journalism or communications For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state (and a US citizen). Application forms are only available through these high schools and candidates for the scholarship are nominated by their school each year. Scholarships are renewable for four years of college in the state of Washington. [...] More

New York Financial Writers' Association Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The New York Financial Writers Association Scholarships are for journalism students in the New York City metropolitan area who wish to pursue a career in business or financial journalism. Complete the application providing your present address and telephone number and, if different, your permanent home address and telephone number. Applications should be available at your department or the NYFWA [...] More

NPPF Bob East Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • NPPF scholarships are awarded to encourage those with the talent and dedication to photojournalism and who need financial help to continue their studies. These awards are directed toward those studying full-time or returning to college. The Bob East scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility: be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college or [...] More

NPPF TV News Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • NPPA members provide support for this scholarship, especially members of the NPPF Booster Club made up of NPPA life members. The scholarship is for television photojournalism or multimedia students specializing in video. Open only to undergraduate students. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s [...] More

Ohio Newspaper Association University Journalism Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/31/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • To be eligible for the Ohio Newspaper Association University Journalism Scholarships: applicant must be enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at an Ohio college/university for the upcoming academic year; a 2.5 GPA is required. The student's college transcript must accompany the application; student must demonstrate the ability to write clearly in an autobiography of 750 to 1,000 words [...] More

Park Scholar Award

  • Application Deadline: 1/15/2021
  • Amount: Varies
  • At least 10 merit-based scholarships are awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year. In addition, at least three merit-based scholarships are awarded to Park School rising juniors each spring. Park Scholar Awards cover the entire cost of attendance (tuition, room, and board) at Ithaca College and include stipends for living expenses, books, and a one-time computer purchase of $2,500. [...] More

Pulliam Journalism Fellowship

  • Application Deadline: 11/1/2020
  • Amount: $6,500
  • College juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in a journalism or related degree program as of Nov. 1, are eligible to apply for the Pulliam Journalism Fellowship. Previous newspaper journalism internships and/or experience as a journalist on a college newspaper are preferred. You need to be committed to a career in news journalism. You must have reliable transportation and arrange for [...] More

Ray Greenly Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/3/2020
  • Amount: $25,000
  • The Ray Greenly Scholarship is open to sophomore, junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students enrolled full-time at any accredited U.S. college or university (regardless of NRF member status). Applicants do not have to be in a retail program or major to apply but should demonstrate how their chosen major or graduate program is relevant to digital retail. For more information, or to [...] More

Sacramento Press Club Journalism Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/31/2020
  • Amount: $8,000
  • The Sacramento Press Club will be awarding seven scholarships this year, ranging from $4000-$8000. Students must submit a single application to be considered for all of the scholarships. Eligibility: applicants must be college students who will be juniors, seniors, or graduate students for at least one term in the upcoming academic year; and, applicants must have a connection to the 9-county [...] More

Sandy Schenker Capell Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/6/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Sandy Schenker Capell scholarship was created to honor Sandy and her commitment to mentoring and developing young talent. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a Houston area high school senior interested in a career in media. The ideal candidate will represent the qualities that Sandy exuded in her daily life. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

SCPA Foundation Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/6/2020
  • Amount: $3,000
  • The South Carolina Press Association Foundation awards up to three scholarships each year to S.C. college students interested in pursuing newspaper careers. The foundation encourages talented young people to enter the newspaper business and provides training and growth opportunities for working professionals. Scholarships are open to student journalists who attend a four-year college in South [...] More

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 3/5/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, engineering, race car driver/crew, administration information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, business, manufacturing, technician, design/graphics, [...] More

Stoody-West Graduate Fellowship

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2020
  • Amount: $6,000
  • Applicants of the Stoody-West Graduate Fellowship are judged on Christian commitment and involvement in the United Methodist Church, academic achievement, experience in journalism, or evidence of journalistic talent, clarity of purpose, plans, and goals for the future as well as potential professional ability as a religious journalist. For more information, or to apply, please visit the [...] More

Telegraph Herald Scholastic Journalist Award

  • Application Deadline: 4/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,500
  • The Telegraph Herald Scholastic Journalist Awards are presented to high school seniors studying within the Telegraph Herald's circulation area (roughly a 50-mile radius of Dubuque, Iowa). Applicants must be active in the editorial aspect (news, web, sports, features, photo and art/graphics) of newspapers and submit portfolios demonstrating experience, talent, and leadership in newspaper [...] More

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship Award

  • Application Deadline: 3/25/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The AAF-Greater Evansville awards scholarships to deserving high school and/or college students yearly in April. Over the past 40 years, AAF-Greater Evansville has distributed over $158,000 in scholarship awards. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic design. The application deadline varies yearly, but is typically in early [...] More

The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation: Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment is intended for eligible college and graduate school women who desire to work and contribute their efforts within the field. The scholarship is granted to four applicants annually who are matriculating full-time in their sophomore, junior, senior or first year of graduate school. A minimum GPA [...] More

The Harold K. Douthit Regional Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/19/2020
  • Amount: $1,500
  • The Ohio Newspapers Foundation will award a scholarship to a student from northern Ohio who is currently enrolled and majoring in a field relevant to our industry, particularly journalism, advertising, marketing, or a communications degree program at an Ohio college or university. Applicant must have graduated from a high school in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Huron, Erie, Wood, Geauga, Sandusky, Ottawa or [...] More

The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists

  • Application Deadline: 11/15/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Founded in memory of James Alan Cox, a television photojournalist, The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists aims to provide financial support to student photographers of high school and college age. The focus of work and entries is photojournalism. Various scholarships will be awarded to those students whose work "tells a story." This is a fairly broad topic and may include a [...] More

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2021
  • Amount: $8,000
  • Educational scholarship funds from grants administered by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago are available for Jewish college and graduate students. Approximately $500,000 is available each year for full-time students, predominantly those legally domiciled in the metropolitan Chicago area, who are identified as having promise for significant contributions in their chosen careers. [...] More

The LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 2/28/2021
  • Amount: $2,500
  • LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship recipients will receive a trip to NYC where they will participate in career building activities including a welcome dinner with a keynote speaker, two daylong career & professional development workshops and a scholarship and donor recognition reception. Applicants must be from a minority ethnic group, studying a field of study that has an emphasis on [...] More

The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship is an annual award given since 2009 to honor the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Walter J. Travis in the game of golf. Applicants for The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship must be enrolled/matriculated as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university in Landscape Architecture, [...] More

Upper Midwest Emmy Chapter/Foundation Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 2/5/2021
  • Amount: $3,000
  • The NATAS-Upper Midwest Chapter/Foundation offers $2,500 student scholarship grants to be used for tuition & books. Scholarships are open to high school and college/university students living in the five-state area served by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa & western Wisconsin). Applicants must submit a [...] More

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Last Reviewed: February 2020

Public Relations Scholarships

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